In some cases, if your older adult needs significant help moving around, assisting them on your own could be dangerous, especially if you’re smaller in size. They could fall or you could get seriously injured.

2. Does your senior need specialized care?

If your older adult’s medical condition now requires specialized medical care or 24/7 supervision, you probably won’t be able to provide that care.

You’re not a medical professional and it’s simply impossible for one person to be on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For example, if your older adult’s dementia causes them to wander constantly (even at night), consider a memory care community where trained staff and a specially-designed environment can keep them safe at all hours.

Or, if your older adult is bedridden and needs careful repositioning every hour to prevent bed sores, 24/7 care at an assisted living community is a good option.

Florence Marchick has a Master’s in Social Work and has been working in the field since 1978. For over 24 years, she has been working with older adults. Before her recent retirement, she was the social worker at Rosener House Adult Day Services program in Menlo Park. This included working with families during the enrollment process, family counseling, and running several support groups for caregivers. Rosener House offers an enriched therapeutic day program in a caring protective environment. Rosener House promotes independence and dignity for aging adults facing challenges and limitations, including Alzheimer’s, dementia, early memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other chronic conditions.